Thread: Plans and hardware.

I wonder if I am the only one who is overawed by drawings and diagrams.
Has anyone had anything to do with Tage Frid's book in furniture making. In particular his serving cart. I am damned if I can figure it out? But then I find a lot of drawings, instructions pre suppose you know what you are doing - and I have a long way to go. Up to now I have found Australian Woodsmith magazine the easiest to follow and tend to find few mistakes - although it has happened. They seem to me to be close to idiot proof which is great at my stage of progress.
Its the hardware that usually defeats me. One companyhere in Australia who advertises as having the necessary bits and pieces twice sent me the wrong hinges. Then on another project didn't have the bits and pieces on hand as promised and this after the magazine in question had been on the book stands for weeks. And of course these magazines must be prepared months in advance, so why can't these supply companies get their act in to gear. Half the time I have found its easier to order from the U..S. I am getting used to getting a reply in minutes and full confirmation of orders in a matter of hours. Recently I sent an e-mail to a company here for availability and prices - a week later no reply. So 2nd. e-mail finally got a response. This seems to be more or less normal from the local trade. Some exceptions perhaps - Hafele do seem to be very professional in my experience even when ordering via a local hardware store.
I guess half my problems would be solved if I followed the oft quoted advice to get the hardware first! But I am usually too excited to get my project on the go. So perhaps I only have myself to blame!